From the penthouse of one of Eastbourne’s most elegant residences, you can see for miles – which is just one reason why we voted this spectacular home one of our retirement properties of the month
With expansive views over the South Downs National Park and towards the town’s seafront this three-bedroom, two-bathroom home is the kind of place that makes for an idyllic retirement haven.
On sale through Rager and Roberts 61 Saffrons Court is within an easy walk of the cultural heart of this vibrant seaside town which features its own concert hall, the celebrated Towner Art Gallery and two theatres.
The spectacular views can be best appreciated from the large sunny terrace off the sitting room in this spacious top-floor apartment accessed via a lift.
Saffrons court has everything to make you feel safe and secure with CCTV security and a live-in concierge, offering peace of mind to those who want to live there full time or lock up and leave to spend spells away.
When Penelope Henley and her husband Peter bought their apartment on the fifth floor back in 2008 they never intended to retire there.
“We used it as a holiday home when we were living and working in Asia,” Penelope explains. Now the couple who are in their 60s have decided to stay there; realising that their stunning home is in an unbeatable location, and uniquely offering a garage and guest parking.
“We are a 10 minute walk from most of the town’s attractions,” Penelope adds. “And we have none of the headaches of maintaining a detached house.”
Husband Peter, who was once a pupil at the local public school Eastbourne College, loves playing golf and watching cricket matches at the nearby Saffrons sports club which has a bowling green and croquet lawn.
“There’s a mix of age groups here,” Peter says. “Many people bought when they were working like us and decided to retire here. It is a fantastic location with great transport links to iconic places like Glyndebourne and Brighton. There’s also a direct train service to Gatwick airport and London Victoria.”
Saffrons Court is a private enclave with its own large, secure communal walled garden and allotment area. “We don’t need lots of communal facilities as we have everything on our doorstep,” Peter adds.
That includes lots of independent restaurants, boutiques, top quality hotels and fantastic walks along the seafront and South Downs. 
There are also lots of clubs, orchestras and choirs so plenty to do for the active retiree and newcomers wanting to live a full, busy life.
“You don’t feel hemmed in here,” says Penelope. “Saffrons Court is lovely and uncrowded while being close to a charming, bustling town.”
There are lots of picturesque areas nearby too like Friston where the artist Grayson Perry lives as well as Gildredge Park and Charleston Farm, made famous by the Bloomsbury Group.
The Towner Art Gallery is a particular hotspot for art lovers. Apart from its numerous art exhibitions, films are screened in its intimate cinema, and there’s a quirky lecture club which is popular with locals.
The gallery’s celebrated restaurant overlooks the world-famous Devonshire Park, which hosts a pre-Wimbledon tennis tournament each summer, and next door, The Congress Theatre is well known for its West End quality shows and orchestral concerts.
You can leave your car at Saffrons Court and walk to the station, or to the Little Chelsea village of independent shops and restaurants, the doctor’s surgery and library. Or you can head to the beach where miles of flat promenade extend to the pier and beyond up as far as the Downs and the South Downs Way in the other direction towards the iconic Seven Sisters white cliffs.
Saffrons Court is an exclusive development designed for independent living but with a little safety net.
There is a ramp for access to the front lobby and two lifts which are suitable for wheelchairs. The main bedroom has an en-suite and fitted wardrobes.
The third bedroom has a built in desk, drawers, filing cabinet, computer shelf etc which can be hidden away behind wardrobe doors.
The large sitting room has sufficient area for family dining and a door goes out onto the terrace which is large enough for substantial entertaining whilst enjoying the views.
A separate utility room houses the white goods and boiler.
There is also large built in cupboard in the hallway for extra storage as well as a garage and space for guest parking.
This luxurious penthouse, which is on the market for £500,000 is the perfect next step for a new adventure. For more information visit Rager and Roberts
